How to Integrate Struts with Adobe Experience Manager

In an era where web application development is evolving rapidly, the integration of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and Struts proves to be a powerful combination. AEM is a robust content management system (CMS) designed for creating websites, mobile apps, and forms. Struts, on the other hand, is an open-source framework used for developing Java-based web applications. This guide takes you through the process of integrating Struts with AEM.

Key Takeaways

• Integration of Struts with AEM allows for the development of dynamic web applications with efficient content management.
• The integration process involves setting up the Struts environment, configuring AEM, and then developing a Struts application within AEM.
• Testing and validation are crucial steps to ensure that the integration functions as expected.

Understanding Struts and AEM Integration

Struts and AEM integration combines the creative content management capabilities of AEM with the robust web application development structure of Struts. This coupling extends the functionality of AEM, allowing developers to leverage the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture of Struts within the AEM environment.

Setting Up the Struts Environment

Setting up the Struts environment is the first step towards integration with AEM.

1. Download Struts: Struts can be downloaded from the official Apache Struts website.
2. Install Struts: Extract the downloaded file and set it up according to the instructions provided in the Struts official documentation.

Configuring AEM for Struts

AEM needs to be configured to recognize and work with Struts.

1. Access the AEM Configuration Manager: Launch your AEM instance and navigate to the AEM Configuration Manager. The URL typically looks like this: http://<your server>:<your port>/system/console/configMgr.
2. Configure Struts: In the Configuration Manager, find the ‘Apache Sling Servlet/Script Resolver and Error Handler’. Add ‘struts’ to the ‘Servlet and Script Extensions’ field.
3. Save the Configuration: After adding ‘struts’, save the configuration.

Developing a Struts Application within AEM

Once you’ve configured AEM to work with Struts, you can start developing a Struts application within AEM.

1. Create a New Struts Application: Follow the process outlined in the Struts documentation to create a new Struts application. Make sure to create the application within the AEM instance directory.
2. Develop Your Application: Use Struts’ MVC architecture to develop your application. This involves creating models, views, and controllers.

Packaging and Deploying Your Application

After developing your Struts application within AEM, package and deploy it using AEM’s CRX Package Manager.

1. Package Your Application: Navigate to AEM’s CRX Package Manager and create a new package for your Struts application.
2. Deploy Your Application: After creating the package, build it and then install it.

Testing the Integration

After packaging and deploying your application, test the integration to ensure that it works as expected.

1. Access Your Application: Navigate to the URL of your application on the AEM server.
2. Interact with Your Application: Use your application as an end-user would. Ensure that all functionality works as expected.

Understanding Potential Issues

Certain issues might occur during the integration process, including configuration issues or problems with the application functionality. If you encounter any issues, revisit the configuration settings in AEM and the structure of your Struts application. Also, ensure that both AEM and Struts are running the latest versions to avoid compatibility issues.

Conclusion

The integration of Struts with AEM provides a powerful platform for developing dynamic web applications with efficient content management capabilities. This process involves setting up the Struts environment, configuring AEM to work with Struts, and developing a Struts application within AEM. Always remember to test your application thoroughly to ensure that the integration works as expected.